As Ireland shapes up for equality on the 22nd of May I feel like there couldn’t be a better time to voice my thoughts on the subject. On the build up to this referendum I have been of the opinion that this amendment is not about gay rights but about equal rights, and that the people of Ireland have been given the opportunity to do something radical by voting to give a suppressed minority a chance of equal status in the eyes of the community and before the law. The ‘No’ campaign has lead with the line of we’re not homophobic for voting against the amendment, citing that a ‘no’ vote protects the family institution. The ‘No’ side is dominated by what we can refer to as old Ireland, dominated by the aging grasp of the catholic church and groups who you can only imagine have had little interaction with any form of diversity within society or the micro societies they live in. Therefore their ability to empathise with the community as a whole is diminished and they’re attitudes towards the gay community are in fact a tad homophobic, in that they believe that a yes vote will have some moral impact on the way we function as a society. Of course in a way most of us will see that Ireland has outgrown these dated beliefs, so it’s important that if you’re thinking about voting ‘Yes’ that you go out and actually vote, because the ‘No’ side will be getting the pension bus there and back. This vote gives us an opportunity to re-shape ourselves, this is the first chance that Ireland can look to re-identify herself since the death of the celtic tiger. Now is the time for the phoenix to rise, for a rejuvenated Ireland to step out of the shadows and say we’re doing things our own way now. This is a vote about equal rights, about identity, about a free and open society. This is a vote for your loved ones, your family, your friends, and your future. Vote Yes on May 22nd.